Any last second advice?

Question

I take my GMAT for the second time this Saturday. I need a 470 overall to get into the MBA program at my school. I scored a 510 and 530 on the GMAC provided practice exams. I believe I scored a 35 and 36 on Q and 25 and 26 on V.

What concerns me slightly is I scored a 500 on the practice test prior to my first attempt at the GMAT, but only scored a 380 on the actual test.

I feel I have a better grasp of the knowledge now, as I have reviewed the Manhattan guides. My first attempt, I took the test at 6pm on a weeknight, after a full workday (which was a mistake).

Any last second tips. My problem areas are critical reasoning and geometry questions. But only needing a 470, I feel I don't need to master any one section, and if anything, should focus more on my stronger areas.

Frozenace · Answer

Watch your breaks and relax the day before.

IJR · Answer

At this point, you just need to be in the right mindset when you are taking the test. Don't do anything the day before and get a really good night's sleep. Being completely relaxed during the test will help you maximize the score you can get.

Regul8er · Answer

Thanks guys. I figure at this point, I won't make any significant improvements. I believe I will focus on getting a better grasp on critical reasoning questions (especially drawing conclusions, and assumptions).

I plan on going to a winter festival with my wife Friday night, and get about 8-9 hours sleep, as my test is at noon.

I plan on going to a winter festival with my wife Friday night, and get about 8-9 hours sleep, as my test is at noon.

2012fall · Answer

Good luck! We are having the test at the same day, same time. But I need to get 700 in order to have higher chances of acceptance. My highest practice CAT was 680, so I am not sure if I can reach 700..

Good luck to both of us!

Good luck to both of us!

Regul8er · Answer

Well guys, MBA might not be in the cards for me.

I really went to bat for the last 4 months, and put in about 150 hours.
I improved my Quan from a 24 to 31, but my Verbal went down from a 19 to 18. I worked on verbal and thought I had made significant improvements.

Not sure what happened, but I failed miserably.

I just dont think I can invest more into this dream (time and money) to see a failing score on the screen after the test is complete. My heart completely sunk into my chest. Im not even looking for a 600 or 700 like most of you, I only need a 470, which I can't attain

sanjuro9 · Answer

First of all. Don't lose hope.

If you prepare for x, there is a good chance you will succeed with x-y. How about trying to prepare for x+100 as your score. I am sure if set that as your target, you 'll exceed at least x.

So, lets start by setting your target at 550 or perhaps 600.

If you are struggling with Verbal, have you identified where you are making mistakes most? Is it across all three areas or perhaps just with SC or CR or RC? If the later is the case, then there is a good chance that you can overcome this hurdle with some strategic, focused preparation.

I understand your decision not to spend any more time and money on GMAT. But, I encourage you to reconsider your decision. This site is a great resource and there are lot of fellow members who are willing and eager to help you.

Regul8er · Answer

Thanks for the words sanjuro. Ive definately been struggling the most with Critical Reasoning. Ive made vast improvements, and during practice sessions, have seen sharp increases in accuracy. Unfortunately, I don't get a look at details from the actual test, which would benefit me greatly.

Whats aggitating and frustrating me the most is that I accepted a job at a local University 8 months ago (huge paycut) knowing I could take advantage of a free MBA. I want to get started on my classes, and I cant get over this barrier, and it appears I will be sitting another semester on the sidelines!

I might consider spending more time on this after a few months, but definately not money. I need effective study techniques/materials/questions/tests that are free.......my bank account can't handle any more cost

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Any last second advice?

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